Happy Summer!
The summer season is in Full swing now!
Temperatures are heating up around the globe for the northern hemisphere. BBQ’s are cooking up some tasty morsels and family & friends having fun in the sun!
Some inspiration is in order for the Wanderlust in us all!
After a fabulous Safari to Tanzania, nothing is more sumptuous than a post safari rest on the island of Pemba north of Zanzibar! For some of us water babies, you will not want to miss a night at Manta Resort in this incredible underwater room! Ahhhhhh perfectly dreamy! Check out this short YouTube video below!
Off the remote shores of Pemba Island, the The Manta Resort offers one of the most extraordinary ocean experiences in the world—its iconic Underwater Room. Floating above a vibrant coral reef, this private, three-level suite invites you to live completely immersed in the marine environment you love.
By day, step straight into warm, clear Indian Ocean waters to snorkel a thriving reef just beneath your feet, home to colorful reef fish, octopus, and an ever-changing cast of marine life. Then, as the sun sets, descend into your underwater bedroom where panoramic windows place you eye-to-eye with the reef. With subtle lighting drawing in nocturnal species, the experience transforms into something few divers ever witness, reef life after dark, from the comfort of your bed.
Trade dust for salt air, jeeps for gentle tides, and simply unwind as the rhythm of the ocean resets your pace. Just you, the reef, and the quiet magic of the sea…………
Ahe — A Quiet Corner of French Polynesia
Far from the bustle of the world, there is a place where time slows, the lagoon glows in endless shades of blue, and the rhythm of life follows the tides.
Hidden in the remote Tuamotu Archipelago, Ahe Atoll offers a rare glimpse of authentic Polynesia. Here, days are spent exploring crystal-clear waters, snorkeling vibrant lagoons, visiting family-run black pearl farms, and simply enjoying the peaceful beauty of an island that remains wonderfully untouched.
For travelers who have explored the world’s famous islands and are searching for something deeper, Ahe is an invitation to disconnect, breathe, and reconnect with nature. No crowds. No rush. Just warm ocean breezes, pristine waters, and the quiet magic of island life.
Baja Mexico… and the beautiful Sea of Cortez!
A new ocean safari: diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and beach glamping on Isla San José, an uninhabited island within a UNESCO National Park.
It feels completely untouched by time — no roads, no crowds, just cactus-dotted desert, mountains, white-sand beaches, and clear blue water with one of the richest marine environments right at your doorstep. You literally can’t camp any closer to Las Ánimas, one of our absolute favorite snorkeling and dive sites in the Sea of Cortez. Fall brings fantastic conditions: water temperatures in the high 80s and visibility often reaching 100 ft (30 m) or more.
The Sea of Cortez is a different sea in every season, with mama and calf humpbacks, blue whales, orcas, and more surprises than we can list here. Not sure when to visit? We’ve put together a wildlife calendar to help you figure out the best time to join us.
4nights/5 days: 250.00 off $1745.00 per person twin share
3 dates this season 2026: Oct 24-28, Oct 31-Nov 4, Nov 7-11.
POP up Glamping! A great adventure in the Sea of Cortez!
All new adventure! Combining La Paz & Sea of Cortez with Cabo Pulmo on an epic 8-day, 7-night adventure!
This September Nautilus Adventures is launching a brand-new eight-day voyage from La Paz to Cabo Pulmo aboard Nautilus Gallant Lady. With a limited load of just 12 guests on our 116 ft expedition yacht, this adventure is designed around one of the Sea of Cortez’s greatest conservation success stories.
September is absolute peak season for orcas. Fingers crossed.
When the local community stopped fishing Cabo Pulmo and began protecting it instead, the reef came roaring back to life. Today it’s one of the healthiest marine parks in the world, and right now, the bull sharks are putting on quite a show.
SHARKS sharks and more sharks in the Southern Red Sea!
For those of us who love sharks 😊
Check out these different options:
https://www.divediscovery.com/shark-diving/divetours/pelagic-trail.php
and
https://www.divediscovery.com/shark-diving/divetours/BDE-sharkweek.php
and Mozambique~ Unbaited!! Incredible Shark haven here!
https://www.divediscovery.com/shark-diving/divetours/shark-diving-mozambique.php
THAILAND
Offers so much, diving in the Similans and Surin islands aboard the beautiful Junk liveaboard!
Seeing the country on land is magical!
The unique floating market of Damnoen Saduak with its many colours, flavours and exotic fragrances is a must see while in Thailand.
The best things to do and see in Thailand include visiting the The Grand Palace in Bangkok, exploring the temples of Chiang Mai.
See the huge Reclining Buddha and rich royal history.
Ayutthaya Historical Park: Rent a bike to tour ancient capital temple ruins.
Northern Thailand
Chiang Mai Temples: Visit mountain shrines like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries: Feed and care for rescued elephants in natural jungle settings.
Chiang Rai White & Blue Temples: View unique, modern, and very artistic religious sites.
AFRICA
We have a new company committed to bringing guests to this incredible country. While it’s still in its infancy for tourism, there is something to say for those of us that love the soft underbelly of a place that is not overrun with tourism! Welcome to Gabon!
This new itinerary will show these incredible colorful primates called Mandrills!
And of course, face to face with these highly intelligent Lowland Gorillas! 8 day Gabon safari
Conservation in Madagascar: Where Travel Makes a Difference
Why Madagascar?
Today’s travelers increasingly want to know that their journeys leave a positive legacy. Madagascar offers a rare opportunity to combine exceptional wildlife encounters with meaningful conservation. Around 90% of its wildlife is found nowhere else on Earth, meaning that protecting a single forest can safeguard entire communities of plants and animals found nowhere else.
Conserving Madagascar is vital because it holds 5% of the world’s plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth, protects vital natural carbon sinks to fight climate change, and supports the daily survival of local communities dependent on its ecosystems. Its time to visit this incredible island lost in time…….
ZAMBIA
Busanga Plains, in the heart of the Kafue
Exceptional Predator Density
Known for iconic lion sightings, camps operate roughly from
June to November when floodwaters recede.
Wildlife and Activities
Key Species: Famous for large lion prides, cheetahs, wild dogs, red lechwe, and puku.
A must do if you wish to visit Zambia!
GROUP TRIPS
Snow Leopard Expedition, January 23 – February 3 2027 Group Trip
Escorted by: local knowledgeable guides
For those of you wishing to venture to the stunning Himalayas, there is a group trip going in January of 2027. I highly recommend it, though Dive Discovery is not escorting it. Well respected locals are! I know the people offering this! You don’t want to miss this!
2027: I have 5 group trips going, but I won’t list them as they are sold out. If anything changes I will update on our website www.divediscovery.com
2028:
Halmahera, Indonesia diving on board Damai 1, April 22-May 3 2028 Group Trip
Escorted by: Cindi LaRaia – 1 female share spot available
The Republic of Congo ~ Kamba Camps, September 18-28 2028 Group Trip
Escorted by Cindi LaRaia
Space for 3 more rooms
The Republic of Congo ~ Kamba Camps
(The Good Congo and YES there is a big difference from this Congo and the DRC)
Join Cindi as she heads back to the Congo Basin, on this trip of a lifetime to The Republic of Congo (the good peaceful, happy Congo)!
September 18-28 2028
USD$17,295 per person: 10nt cost includes the applied Stay/Pay Discount and 2 gorilla permits free.
Welcome to the Jungle Gorillas in the Mist. A Walk in the Forest. A Glimpse of Local Life. A Warm Welcome. Chest-Deep in the Baï. Sundowners on the River!
~Cindi’s Trip report here from February 2026~
My visit in February this year was so beyond magical. I have been to Africa so many times, but nothing could compare to the encounters I had with my long-time friend John. The rainforest, the gorillas, the bai, the camps- 3 different ones all varied and unique.
Please read my trip report on the above link.
I am going back; we have space for 3 more couples or friends from September 18-28 2028. (3 more rooms). This is a 10 night trip that is by far THE BEST way to experience all 3 areas, it is beyond any African experience you will EVER have! Yes, the price is high, but so is the experience, it’s Primal & Visceral!
The Congo Basin is not an open savannah; it is an immersive, living entity!
You Seriously don’t want to miss this!
Thank you for reading! Enjoy the last month of summer! Until next time……
From the desk of Cindi LaRaia and the Dive & Africa Discovery team!
